For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope. Jeremiah 29:11 (ESV)
One day I was asked to organize a program for the church. Initially, I was very excited and had a wealth of ideas for the project. However, due to Covid-19, and other unforeseen delays and setbacks, my initial enthusiasm waned considerably; to the point where I no longer wanted to be in charge. In actuality, I wanted to see if I could get someone else to take over. But because I had given my word, I proceeded with the planning. No one else knew of these feelings except a close friend. She encouraged me, and basically said I could do it. So, I set out to begin again.
By proceeding forward with God’s leading (despite my feelings), I began to feel lighter and no longer dreading this task. I began to get excited, all over again. I began to feel a lightness in my spirit and feeling that I was doing what God would have me do.
In sharing this story, I want to encourage all to stick to it if God has placed it before you; no matter how you may “feel” at the moment. There will be times when you are bogged down with the cares of life, and you will not want to move forward. I am not only speaking of a project but, this can be applied to many areas in life. It can be applied to relationships, work, school, etc. You may want to give up because you do not “feel” like continuing. Your heart is not in it any longer. We all have been there. But despite what you “feel”, move forward, and continue, as God would expect you to do. He did not tell us that it will always be happy/carefree times. He never said every program, project, and relationship will always be fun and easy to do and/or maintain. As Christians, we are instructed to be faithful and to continue. When we do this, eventually we will work our way through all the problems and doubts. In sticking to it, we will get to the other side and will be glad we did not quit.
Now I need to make a point here and state there are unhealthy times/situations where you will need to walk away. I am not addressing those in this post. I will talk about this, at another time.
However, when the action and/or commitment is safe, it’s just that we don’t “feel” like continuing; let me encourage you to keep fighting the good fight of faith (1 Tim 6:12), and doing what it is God will have you do. In due time, you will feel the joy in your soul and the fulfillment of having stuck it out. The joy of having completed, the tasks He has set before you.
Blessings to All,
Angélique~
To contact: angelique@21stcenturygodlyliving.com
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